England: World Cup 2018 potential squad

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but these three goalkeepers are all still relatively young and all have tremendous ability. At 26, Joe Hart still has a good ten years in him at least and, should he replicate his form of last season, he could become maybe the best English keeper since Peter Shilton.

Fraser Forster is Celtic's number one and, as of this moment, has not conceded a goal in twelve matches. The ex-Newcastle stopper is just 25 and if he makes the move to England, his chances of a starting place will raise significantly.

Jack Butland is the third candidate, with him in very impressive form for Team GB at 2012's London Olympics. His transfer to Stoke City has not seen him thrusted into first team Premier League football just yet, but its surely only a matter of time.

Defence

Luke Shaw is the first obvious name here. The Southampton left back has been linked non-stop with Chelsea for the last two transfer windows, and it is no surprise thanks to his lighting bursts that Chelsea are willing to pay a rumoured £15 million.

Contending with him could be Kieran Gibbs. The Arsenal man is something of an injury prone footballer considering his young age, but that has not stopped him impress for the past two seasons as the Gunners go for the Premier League title.

Right back options are something of a rarity. Andre Wisdom is one man who could fill that gap, having impressed there for Derby County this season, although he is predominantly a centre back.

His Liverpool teammate Jon Flanagan is probably England's best option for just there, having filled in for the injured Glen Johnson. In the centre, Manchester United pair Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are obvious choices, with Smalling, 24, and Jones, 21.

However, two more choices from promotion chasing sides are Jamaal Lascelles and Liam Moore. Both are regulars for Forest and Leicester, and Moore is almost certain to be playing Premier League next season, with or without his current side.

Also consider: Harry Maguire, Jack Robinson, John Stones.

Midfield

England could have some world class options in midfield when it comes to the 2018 tournament in Russia.

Starting from the wide positions, and we have players who need no introduction. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is still just 20 and has a long way to go before he reaches his peak. That is frightening, especially considering his recent dominant performances for Arsenal.

Wilfried Zaha was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson for £15 million, and that speaks for itself. Anybody worth that amount in Fergie's eyes must be destined for big things. By then, he should definitely be a Manchester United regular, and tearing teams apart in the way he was last season for Crystal Palace.

Raheem Sterling is a huge starlet right now, and has been for over a season. He could well go to this summers tournament, and should not drop out of the squad from then on.

Tom Ince is another wing option, as is Andros Townsend who impressed so greatly in the final two World Cup qualifiers.

Back into the centre and we first up have four players with England caps already to their names. The much maligned Tom Cleverley is a real option. Still only 24, he could be fighting it out for a place with Jordan Henderson of Liverpool. The two are relatively similar players, and Henderson is already receiving plaudits, yet Cleverley has more caps. The pair could both achieve club glory before then too, which wouldn't harm their chances one bit.

Jack Wilshere is a man who has been tipped to be a future England captain, but injuries could halt his career. However, should Wilshere fall foul to niggles, Ross Barkley is a more than able replacement. The youngster has already lit the Premier League alight, and comparisons with Paul Gascoigne seem to be justified.

The final option is the highly rated Will Hughes. Still just 19, he is into his second full season of professional football, and his quick feet and tremendous eye for a pass is something England have never truly had.

Also consider: Jake Livermore, Jack Rodwell, James Ward-Prowse.

Forwards

England are not naturally blessed with world class strikers, and right now can only really boast Wayne Rooney.

However, Daniel Sturridge could turn into one. The Liverpool striker has been in tremendous form for the Reds this season, and if he just learns to trust others a bit more, there could be a world beating striker somewhere inside.

Theo Walcott is another obvious contender, but his capabilities in a striking role are regularly questioned. Andy Carroll is a different sort of option for England. The big man was a miracle worker in Euro 2012 against Sweden, and when fit he can win matches on his own through his ridiculously good strength and heading ability.

Two final options are unlikely, but could come good.

Chelsea man Patrick Bamford is a youngster tipped to succeed and if his goal record at MK Dons and now Derby is anything to go by, he could well do that, should Jose Mourinho give him an opportunity.

Also consider: Danny Ings, Dwight Gayle, Danny Welbeck.

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This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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